Toy



' June 4, 1929. A. w. BECK 1,715,891

TOY

Filed Aug. 13, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A. W. BECK June 4, 1929.

TOY

Filed Aug. 13, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN OR Patented June 4, 1929.

UNITED STATES AUGUST BECK, OF PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA.

TOY.

Application filed. August 13, 1927. Serial No. 212,662.

The present invention relates particularly the motor becomes inoperative through to toys and more particularly'to toys of the roller coaster type in which a movable body is adapted to travel continuously in one direction from a point Qfhig her elevation to a point-of lower elevation, elevating means being provided intermediate the high and lowpoints of the track. The present invention further contemplates an improved 'method of manufacturmg toys of the character referred to from sheet material with a minimum loss or scrap. "It has heretofore been proposed to rovide roller coaster toys of the general c ara'ct-er hereinafter contemplated in which a movable body travels continuously in one direction about a looped track, with lifting means provided to raise the movable body from a point of lower elevation to a point of higher elevation. The lifting means, however, have heretofore been of such charactor that the motive power was connected to the elevating means at all times, such, for example, as in the toy illustrated and described in 'Patent No. 1,551,002, of August 25, 1925. In these prior structures the lifting means was always under control of the operating power source both during the elevating and lowering of the means for elevating the movable body. Certain inherent disadvantages are present. in such structures,

the most troublesome of which is the complete failure of the toy to function when the motive power is not available by reason of some defect in the motor so that the complete toy becomes inoperative.

I obviate the foregoing difficulties by the provision of a toy having a looped track and a movable body adapted for continuous motion in one direction therearound, wherein elevating means are provided to raise the movable body from a point of lower elevation to a point of higher elevation, the elevating means being operable independently of the motive power normally employed to move the same. I further provide a tripping mechanism for setting the elevating motor into operation, the tripping mechanism being operable independently of the means for elevating the movable body. Thus the toy may be started by manually operating the elevating means to effect an inital movement of the movable body about the looped track, after which the movable body operates the tripping mechanism and the elevating motor becomes effective for operating the toy. If

breakage or other failure the toy may be operated by manually raising the elevating means.

In the accompanying drawings, there is shown for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it being understood that the drawings do not define the limits of my invention, as

changes in'the constructionand operation disclosed therein ma. be made-without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of my broader claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the toy showing the elevating track section in its lower position;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the toy showing the tripping mechanism and the motor;

Figure 3 is a top plan view showing the connection between the track and the motor bracket;

Figure 4 is a detail view showing the pivotal connectionfor the elevating portion of the track;

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the operating bracket for cooperation with the pivotal connection shown in Figure 4; and

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the preferred method of cutting the various pieces from a sheet of metal.

In carrying out. the present invention,

there may be provided a base 2 of elongated shape, having secured to the upper surface thereof adjacent one end a'motor bracket 3, having a motor 4- which may conveniently be of the spring type.

A looped track 5 which may be connected near the top of the motorbracket extends around from the top of the motor bracket to a point adjacent the base 2' at the opposite end thereof from the end to which the motor bracketis attached. The looped track 5 is conveniently formed of a single piece of metal having the end 6 thereof bent over to form a bracket for connection with the base 2. A supporting bracket 7 may be provided along the track to maintain the proper elevation at a point opposite the base 2. An elevating section of track 8 may be pivoted to the motor bracket 3 by a pin 9 adjacent the top of the motor bracket.- The elevating section of track is suitably curved so that its free end cooperates with the lower end of the looped track section.

As shown in Figure 2, the elevating track section 8 is provided with a bearing strap 1" having holes 11 therein for cooperation with the pivot pin 9. An operating bracket 12, by

which the spring motor 4 is etl'ective for clerating the track section 8, is also pivoted on the pin 9. The bracket 12 is provided with bearing holes 13 for cooperation with the pin 9 and the holes are so disposed that a bearing surface 14 is provided for cooperation with the elevating track section 8 on the side of the bearing pin 9 toward the free end of the track 8. It will thus be seen that the track may be lifted independent-1y of the operating bracket 12, although operation of the bracket 12 necessarily effects a motion of the track section 8. The track section 8 is held in contact with the bearing surface 14 of the operating bracket 12 by its own weight.

When it is desired to operate the toy, the movable body 15 being placed on the looped track section, rolls down to the lowest point of the track, which is at the free end 16 of the elevating track section 8. With the movable body 15 in such position, the track section 8 may be manually lifted, as shown in chain lines in Figure 2. The movable body 15 then rolls by gravity down the elevatin track section 8 onto the looped track and travels to the lowest portion of the track, coming onto the elevating section 8 and reposing at the lowest portion 16 thereof. The momentum of the body causes it to move the trigger 17 which protrudes through a slot 18 in-the track section 8. The trigger is preferably in the form of an L, having an extension leg 19 so that the weight of the leg 19 normally holds the trigger in set position (Figure 2). The

trigger 17 releases the elevating motor 4, cansing the track section 8 to be elevated and the toy to be operated. After the track section 8 has been raised to elevated position by the motor, it is returned to the lower position where the motor is again locked, pending the tripping of the trigger by the movable body upon its return down the looped track.

The trigger 17 may be pivoted at a point 20 to a bracket connected to the base 2. Connected to the trigger is a.reachrod 21, which is effective for moving a lever 22, serving to stop the motor. The lever 22 may be pivoted at its base to a bracket 23, connected to the base portion 2. The top of the lever 22 is preferably bent over to form a shoulder 24, upon which a pin 25 rests when the motor is locked. The pin 25 is attached preferably to the operating bracket 12, which serves to elevate the track portion 8. I prefer to hinge the reach-rod 21 a comparatively short distance from the pivot point 20 on the trigger 17 so that a comparatively small force is effective for moving the reach-rod 21. The reach-rod 21 is conveniently connected to the lever 22 at a point adjacent the top thereof so that the maximum leverage is obtainable. It will be seen, therefore, that a co'i'nparatively slight pressure will operate the trigger 17 and re lease the motor.

The spring motor may be of the conventional type, having a. spring 26 biased by a winding key 27. Gears 28 and 29 transmit the force of the spring to crank arm 30, cooperating with a slot 31 in the operating bracket 12. The spring 26 normally tends to operate the bracket 12 and move the track section 8, but the pin 25 on the bracket 12 resting upon the shoulder 24 of the lever 22, holds the mechanism inoperative until the trigger 17. has been moved. The trigger 17 is readily movable by the moving body 15, since a comparatively small force is required to effect releasing motion- The arm 19, whose weight serves to return the trigger 17 to locking position, is of comparatively slight weight so that a relatively small movable body 15 invariably trips the mechanism. A slot 32 in the track section 8 is provided for the accommodation of the leg 19, when the trigger is moved into releasing position.

The operating bracket 12 is preferably provided with a counteroveight 33 so that comparatively small motive power is required to move the track section. The high speed fan 34 geared to the motor, holds the motor under control when the track section 8 is returning to its lower position by gravity.

I prefer to attach the looped track section 5 to the motor bracket 3 by means of a tongue 35, extending from a bracket 36, which is secured to the motor bracket 3. The tongue 35 cooperates with suitable slots 37 cut in the track 5.

The bracket 36 on the track 5 is preferably provided with a tongue 38 for cooperation with a strap 39, formed by slots cut in the base portion 2. The track 5 is therefore, readily attached to the motor bracket and to the base portion to assemble the toy.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing a preferred method of cutting the various portions from a sheet of metal. The sheet of metal 39 may be cut to form a generally elliptical ring 40, from which the looped track 5 is subsequently formed. A generally elliptical ring 41, somewhat narrower than the ring 40, may be cut from the inside of the ring 40. The generally elliptical ring 41 is subsequently bent into a double U shape to form the motor bracket 3. The elongated strip of metal remaining after the generally elliptical ring 41 has been cut, serves as the base portion 2. The elevating track section 8 is a separate piece of metal not obtained from the cutting operations just described. It will thus be seen that my improved method of forming the various portions of the toy eliminates most of the scrap formed by the methods heretofore employed, and a looped:. track formed of one continuous piece, a base portion therefor, and a motor bracket are all cut with no substantial loss of metal, despite the-odd shapes assumed in the assembled toy.

Arr-important aspect of my invention is the provision of elevating means which always registers with the looped track at the discharge end of the elevating means, thereby obviating anyp'ossibility of the movable body being discharged from the elevating means and ni'issingfthe track. My improved elevating means is preferably always aligned with discharge end in such position relative tc-the track that even though the elevating means is not in its normal discharging-position, the movable body willbe delivered to the track. This featureis not found in those toys'w'he'rein the elevating :means 'is completelywut of register withthe track at cer tain times'd-ur'ing the operation of the toy. Itis ofi-considerabie importance in case the toy manually operated independently of thepower' mechanism,- for in suchc'ases the parts may: be moved very'quick-ly or violently byannnsk illed operator, yet in my toy, successful operation is" assured;

It is preferred that the elevating track section'8' be curved, so that when "the movable body-15' has come to rest at the lowest part 16 thereof, it cannot run: backward off the movable section jwithout traveling up grade. 'lhnssnccessfuloperation is assured whether the toyis operated mechanically or manually, and once the eievating means has been set into mot-ion'the tendency o'f'the movable body 15 is tomun tovvard the discharge end thereof, which discharge-end being always registered with the track,- must necessarily deliver the movable body 15 onto" the track.

Thus I provide an improved toy having' a looped track about which a movable-body is adaptedto-m'ove' 'continuouslyin one direction from a point or higher elevation to a point oi lower elevation with manually operable elevating means intermediate the points of higher andlower'elevatiom I- further provide a toy of the character described wherein the elevating means is operable bya motor or manually,- as desired.

Still further advantages arise from the present i-nvention by reason'of the provisions of-a counterbalanced elevating means whereby a minimum of motive power is required to operate the toy.

Still other advantages arise from the provision of an improved tripping mechanism whereby the motor for operating the elevatin'g track is controlled independently of the track',-so that the motor may be held inoperative, although the track is movable,

Certain other advantages arise from the provision of an improved tripping mechanism requiring a minimum of force to release the motor, whereby the toy is operable by a very light movable body and continued successfuloperation is insured.

- I claim:

1. In a toy, a looped track, having a point of higher elevation and a point of lower elevation, a movable body adapted to travel along the track continuously in one direction, elevating means connecting the points of lower elevation and higher elevation and adapted to raise the movable body from the point of lower elevation to the point of higher elevation, and a mechanism for operating the elevating means, said elevating means being movable independently of the operating mechanism, and being registered with the track during elevating.

'2. .A toy comprising a'loopcd track having a point of higher elevation and a point of lower elevation, a movable body adapted to travel along thetrack continuously, elevating meansadapted to-raise the movable bod y from the pointof lower elevation to the point of higher elevation, actuating mechanism for operating the-elevating meansand tripping means for setting the actuating mechanism into operation,- said elevating means being operab e independently of the actuating mechanism, and having the discharge end thereofalways positioned to deliver the movable body upon the track.

;3. A toy comprising a base, a motor bracket thereon, a looped track having a point of higher elevation connected to the motor bracket and a point of lower elevation attached to the base, a movable body adaptedwo trav'el continuously along the track in one direction, elevating means intermediate the point of lower elevation and point of higher elevation, amotor on the bracket foroperating the elevating means, and control means for the motor, said elevating. mean's'being operable independently of the motor.

.4.= A toy comprising abase, a bracket so cured to the base, a looped track having a point of higher elevation secured to the bracket, and a point of lower elevation sccured to the base, a movable body adapted. to travel alm'rg the track, elevating means intermediate the points of higher elevation and lower elevation, actuating mechanism for moving theel'evating means, and control means for the actuating mechanism whereby the elevating means may be raised and-loweredin accordance with the position of the movable body,- the elevating means being manually operable independently of the actuating means,- and having the discharge end thereof always positioned to deliver the movable body upon the track.

5. A toy comprising a base having a bracket secured thereto, a looped track having a point of high elevation attached to the bracket, and a point of low elevation secured to the base, a movable body adapted to travel along. said track, elevating means intermediate the points of high and low elevation, actuating means for operating the elevating means, and control means for starting and stopping said actuating means, the control means being operable by the movable bod the elevating means being operable independcntly of the actuating means.

6. A toy comprising a base, a bracket permanently secured thereto, a looped track detachably secured to the bracket and to the base, said track being formed oi-one: piece of material thereby forming a continuously'extending uninterrupted path for the movable body within the extremlties of the track, elevating means intermediate the ends ofthe track attached to the base and to the bracket, actuating mechanism on the bracket for operating the elevating means, control means for starting the actuating -means, said-control means being operable" by the movable body, at substantially :its lowest point of travel, the elevating means-being freelyi-op erable independently of the actuating mechanism when said mechanism is locked by the control means.

7. A toy comprising a base,=a bracket permanently secured to the base, a looped track detachably secured to-the bracket at a point of high elevation, and having-the. other end thereof secured to'the base at a: point of low elevation, a movable body adapted to travel continuously about the track, elevating means intermediate the points of highelevation and low elevation, said elevatingmeans extending to a point of lower elevation than the lowest point of saidlooped track, and an actuating motor for operating'the elevating means, said elevating means-being operable independently of said motor,=and having its dischar e end always vertically aligned with the trac c. v

8. A toy comprising a base, a bracket secured to the base, a looped track having an end of high elevation secured to the bracket and a point of low elevation secured to-the base, a movable track section pivoted at a point adjacent the end of high elevation of the looped track and aligned with the same at alltimes, a motor for raising the movable track section, and control means for starting and stopping the motor, said movable track section being freely movable at all times regardless of the position of said'control means.

9. A toy comprising a base, a bracket secured to the base, a looped track having a point of high elevation secured to the bracket, and a point of low elevation secured to the base, a movable body adapted to travel continuously in one direction along'the track, a movable track section connecting the points of high and low elevation and pivoted adjacent the point of high elevation, said movable track section being always aligned with the stationary track, a motor for raising the movable track section to start the movable body around the looped track, control means for the motor whereby the movable track section is raised and lowered inacco'rdance withthe position of the movable body, said movable track section being operable indethe points of higher elevatonand lower elevation, said movable track-section being .pivoted adjacent the point of high elevation and in-alignment with the same, said movable track section extendingto a point of elevation lowerthan the lowest. pointof the looped track, a motor for raising the track section, and control means controlling the motor=in accordance withlthe position of the movable body, the movable track-seetion-being operable independently of the motor.,-

11. A .toycomprising a portable base, a bracket thereon' -a loopedgtrack having a point of higher-elevation secured tothe bracket, and a-Ipoint of low-elevation secured to the base, a movable body-adapted to travel continuously along the trackin. one direction, a movable track for raising the movable track section to start the movable bo'dy along the looped track, control ;means whereby the motor is started and stopped in accordance with the position of-the movable-body, said control. means including a trigger. adapted to be moved by the movable body, the movable trackbeingfreely movable at all'times regardless of the position of said control means and having an openingitherein for the free accommodation of the trigger out of holding engagement therewith whereby the trigger is operable by the movable body when the track section is in its lowered position.

12. In a toy, an elevating mechanism, a motor for operating the elevating mechanism, control. means for the motor includin an oscillable bracket having stop means thereon, a lever for enga ement with the stop means, and a trigger or moving the lever, and means for normally holding the trigger in looking position.

13. In a toy, a motor, a pivoted bracket adapted to be oscillated by the motor, a pivoted track section adapted to be moved by the bracket, said track section being held in contact with the bracket by gravity, whereby the track section is manually movable independently of the position of the bracket, and control means for starting and stopping the motor.

14. A toy, comprising a base, a motor bracket thereon, a track having a point of higher elevation and a point of lower elevation, a movable body for cooperation with said track, elevating means intermediate the point of lower elevation and the point of higher elevation, a motor for operating said elevating means, and control means for the motor, said elevating means being operable independently of the motor.

15. A toy, comprising a base, a bracket secured thereto, a track having a point of high elevation and a point of low elevation, a movable body adapted to travel along said track, elevating means intermediate the points of high and low elevation, and actuat ing means for operating the elevating means, said elevating means being operable independently of the actuating means.

16. A toy, comprising a base, a bracket secured to the base, a track having a point of high elevation and a point of low elevation, a movable track section pivoted at a point adjacent the point of high elevation and aligned With the same at all times, means for raising the movable track section, and a control means directly cooperating with said track raising means.

17 A toy, comprising a base, a looped track having a point of high elevation and a point of low elevation, a movable body adapted to travel along said track, elevating means intermediate the points of high and low elevation, and actuating means for operating the elevating means, said elevating means being operable independently of the actuating means.

18. A toy, comprising a base, a looped track having a point of high elevation and a point of low elevation, a movable track section pivoted at a point adjacent the point of high elevation and aligned With the same at all times, means for raising the movable track section, and a control means directly cooperating With said track-raising means.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

AUGUST W. BECK. 

